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IES Abroad Scholarship Winner

Alejandro Rettig y Martinez on a recent trip to Toledo, Spain.

Published on:

03/27/11

Alejandro Rettig y Martinez '12 is using his IES scholarship to help fund a semester studying in Salamanca, Spain.

A merit-based scholarship from study abroad consortium IES Abroad is helping Alejandro Rettig y Martinez '12 further his studies in Salamanca, Spain, this semester. He is one of 74 students chosen to receive funding from the organization for the spring 2011 semester.

A political science major with a concentration in Latin American and Iberian studies, Rettig y Martinez knew that he wanted to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country since he first got to Haverford. In the end, he chose Salamanca as his destination, because, he says,“I though that the program's small size ... would make it easier for me to meet locals and learn the language.”

Since arriving in Spain in January, Rettig y Martinez has been enjoying his classes, and playing regular five-on-five futbal (soccer) with a group from the local university. He already feels well integrated with his host family.“The best part of Spain thus far has been my interaction with the locals,” he says.“I am really happy with my home stay. My host mother, Maria, is amazing. She is warm and talkative and an excellent cook.”

IES Abroad is a Chicago-based non-profit that offers study abroad programs to more than 5500 U.S.-based college students each year. Those students participate in 100 programs in 32 locations around the globe. This year, IES Abroad has committed $2.3 million in financial aid for students, including $105,000 in merit-based scholarships for the spring 2011 semester, which includes the one Rettig y Martinez won.“It has allowed me to worry a little bit less about the financial side of study abroad,” he says.